Papers, Policies & Guides
Climate Action Planning Survey
Download Survey Results Summary
As part of SCD’s goal to support planners in climate planning work, the Division first distributed a survey in June 2020. A second survey was distributed in 2022. This summary provides insights learned from the most recent 2022 survey, as well as compare findings between the two survey years.
Climate Change Policy Guide
Embodied within the document are over 50 policies and hundreds of supporting strategies to help planners to proactively and effectively respond to a changing climate. The policies and strategies are organized by the six APA Sustainability Comprehensive Plan Standards categories, including the Livable Built Environment; Harmony with Nature; Resilient Economy; Interwoven Equity; Healthy Communities; and Responsible Regionalism. There is also a separate category focused on needed federal and state policies.
Climate Data Guide
The purpose of the Data Collection Process Guide is to provide guidance on accessible data collection or data calculation methodologies commonly associated with climate action for communities across the United States with emphasis on communities attempting to develop a climate action plan or greenhouse gas inventory. Communities are encouraged to reach out to state APA chapters, state agencies, regional planning bodies (including metropolitan planning organizations) or local organizations to see if more community-specific or local data is available to them.
Climate Development Review
The development review checklist is a valuable tool for putting forward the community’s GHG reduction, climate, or energy goals to developers and builders preparing to add to the community’s building infrastructure. The goal of the checklist is to identify whether proposal projects are designed to meet, or be able to adapt over time to, the community’s near and long-term energy and climate goals.
Climate Ordinance Database
Go to Climate Ordinance Database
Planners can explore a database of climate ordinances in the United States using the web-based tool developed by the Great Plains Institute (GPI). GPI is a long-time partner of the SCD and ENRE divisions, helping to identify and develop tools for planners working on climate change in their local communities.
Planning for Climate
Mitigation + Adaptation
Access PAS Report
Published July 2022
This PAS report is a comprehensive update to the 2010 PAS Report related to Climate Change. This report is a comprehensive resource for planners to better understand climate issues and best practices as it relates to climate readiness planning for resilient communities.
SUSTAINABILITY PAPERS AND REPORTS
Md Y. Reja, “Hurricane Recovery and Ecological Resilience: Measuring the Impacts of Wetland Alteration Post Hurricane Ike on the Upper TX Coast”. Originally published in the journal Environmental Management
Pete Pointner, FAICP, ALA, ITE. “Integrating Natural Resources into a Development, Public and Private Roles.” 2017